Steve Letarte, King Of France Mountain

By Mark Young

Well Pocono is over.....finally.  After waiting forever to get the race started because of rain and looming darkness on the horizon, the race was called after just barely passing the half way point.  Jeff Gordon, who appeared to be mired in traffic during the first 60 laps or so, held off Ryan Newman to get the victory.  But were it not for a crafty call by his crew chief Steve Letarte, Jeff would have likely have finished in the back half of the top ten.  This is not the first time this year Gordon has won a race after a gutsy call on pit road.  Were it not for Steve Letarte Jeff might only have one win.  All hail Steve Letarte, King Of France Mountain.

Runner-up for the throne this week should go to TNT for their refreshing coverage of the the race under some difficult situations.  The pre-race show focused on the drivers and the sport rather than plastering the commentator's faces on the screen or doing some lame game show type of picture deal like FOX did.  Kyle Petty was fantastic in the booth and gave us a great insight as to what was going on out on the track.

Did anyone else notice Gordon's exuberance when Letarte walked up to the race car after the red flag was thrown?  HE knew that the reason for his car being up front was because his crew chief had the kahunas to make a call that put his car up front....for good.

Congratulations Steve.